Many years ago I searched for “Damien Rice similar artists” on Last.fm and suddenly I heard a song called “La Cienega Just Smiled”. The song and the voice caught my attention, so I looked up the artist and found out his name was “Ryan Adams”.

I started diving into his songs and a whole new world opened up for me, I couldn’t stop listening and playing his songs. I was absolutely sold, and I still am. My guitar students have to learn a lot of Ryan Adams songs haha!

For me Ryan Adams has the whole package. A magnificent voice, rough and tender rhythm guitar, damn riffs, heavenly harmonies and a beautiful mix of alternative country and rock music.

It’s staggering I haven’t written this blog post before but now it’s time! I’ve created a Top 28 Best Ryan Adams guitar songs that give you a pretty good introduction and insight into the awesome catalog of brilliant songs this man has written and performed over the years.

I’ve included the chords and tabs to the songs below so you can start improving your guitar playing, your songwriting skills and learn from the absolute best.

Have a wonderful time and thank me later ;)

Oh My sweet Carolina

“Oh My Sweet Carolina” is one of Ryan’s most cherished songs, its emotional folk-rock ballad released in 2000 as part of his debut solo album “Heartbreaker.”

For the backing vocals, he reached out to Emmylou Harris (one of Ryan Adams’ heroes) who provided her angelic voice, adding the perfect touch that made the song complete.

Adams wrote the song while living in New York City, far away from his Southern roots. Feeling the pull of his homeland, he penned the song as a form of catharsis and a way to express his yearning for the familiar landscapes and memories of North Carolina.

The song is in the key of C major, with a 4/4 time signature and a gentle tempo around 75 BPM. The song is a mix of finger style and soft strumming using hammer-ons and pull-offs on the C chord. The chords in the song are C, F, G, G, Am and C/G.

Do I wait

“Do I Wait” is a soulful track (one of my top 3 favorite go-to-songs to play and sing) released on October 11, 2011 on the 13th studio album Ashes & Fire, .” Written during a time of personal reflection, it showcases Adams’ songwriting prowess and emotional depth.

The song was recorded with producer Glyn Johns at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood California.

The key of the song is G major, in a 4/4 time with a moderate tempo around 100 BPM. The song starts with an absolutely gorgeous chord-riff that is also played during the verses and then moves on to a chorus with an incredible vocal melody line supported with an easy chord progression that fits perfectly.

The chords in the song are C, G, Am, Em, D, C/B. providing a melodious backdrop to Adams’ introspective lyrics and soulful delivery.

Come pick me up

“Come Pick Me Up” is a cool song and made its debut in 2000 as part of his album “Heartbreaker.”

The song is known for its heartfelt and emotionally charged lyrics. It’s a melancholic and somewhat desperate plea for comfort and companionship during a time of heartache. The song’s chorus, “Come pick me up, take me out, fuck me up; steal my records, screw all my friends,” captures the raw and honest expression of pain and vulnerability.

The song is in the key of C major, maintaining a 4/4 time signature with a tempo around 74 BPM. Chords used in the song include G, Em7, C, Csus2, Csus2/B, D and G/B, which combine to form the bittersweet backdrop for Adams’ heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies.

When the stars go blue

“When the Stars Go Blue” was released in 2001 on his album “Gold.” It’s a song that beautifully explores themes of love and longing.

The song was also covered by the Irish band “The Corrs and Bono from U2.

The song is in the key of G major, adhering to a 4/4 time signature with a moderate tempo around 120 BPM. The strumming pattern predominantly plays down-up-down-up creating a gentle and rhythmic flow for the song. There are only four chords in the song: Am, C, G and D.

If I am a stranger

“If I Am a Stranger” was released in 2005 as a mid-tempo song on the album “Cold Roses“, but re-released in 2007 on the album “Easy tiger” as a beautiful slow acoustic song where the guitar-riff really stands out.

In 2015 the song was recorded as a live version on the album “Live at Carnegie Hall”, which is my personal favorite recording of the song.

The song is in Gm with a 4/4 time signature with a tempo around 85 BPM. The strumming pattern involves a combination strumming and finger style. The song is played with the capo on the 3rd fret playing the following chords: Em, G6, C for the verses and Dadd4, Em, C, C/B and G for the chorus.

Lucky now

“Lucky Now” is a single that was released in 2011 as part of his album “Ashes & Fire.”

The song starts out with a beautiful intro playing the chords C, F and G using hammer-ons and pull-offs in the typical Ryan fashion.

The song is in the key of C major, playing in a 4/4 time with a tempo of around 95 BPM. It’s a simple 4-chord song consisting of C, F, G and Am.

Dirty rain

“Dirty Rain” is a great song with a bluesy feel. It was released in 2011 on his album “Ashes & Fire.”

The song was inspired by a real-life experience that Ryan Adams had while he was living in New York City. In 2011, Hurricane Irene hit the city and caused widespread flooding and destruction. Ryan Adams said that he wrote “Dirty Rain” as a way of processing his emotions after the storm.

The song is in the key of E major, maintaining a 4/4 time signature with a tempo around 92 BPM. Chords used in the song are E, A, B, C#m and G#m.

Invisible Riverside

“Invisible Riverside” is a beautiful song by Ryan Adams from his 2011 album “Ashes & Fire.”

The song was inspired by English singer-songwriter Laura Marling’s second album, “I Speak Because I Can”. After former producer Ethan Johns sent Adams a copy of the album, he threw out 80% of what he had written for “Ashes & Fire” and started over. Adams has said that Marling’s music “messed him up” in the best possible way, and that he was inspired to write “Invisible Riverside” after seeing her perform.

The song is in the key of D major, with a 4/4 time signature and a tempo of around 75 BPM. The chords for the song are D, C, G, A, Am, Fmaj7, Am/B, F and Em.

Ashes and fire

“Ashes and Fire” is a gorgeous blues-soulful composition released in 2011 on his album of the same name. The song is about a person who is trying to come to terms with the end of a relationship. The lyrics describe the person’s feelings of sadness and regret as they reflect on the past.

The song is in the key of Bb major, maintaining a 4/4 time signature with a moderate tempo around 80 BPM. The song is played with the capo on the 3rd fret using the chords G, G6sus4, C, Cadd9 and Em.

Firecracker

“Firecracker” is a catchy track written. It was released in 2001 on his album “Gold.” The songwriting process for this tune reflects Adams’ ability to blend rock and folk influences into an infectious and memorable song.

The song is in the key of Bb major, maintaining a 4/4 time signature with a lively tempo around 145 BPM. The guitar rhythm predominantly involves a down-down-up-up-down-up strumming pattern. The song is played with the capo on the 3rd fret, playing the chords G, C, D, A, Em, Am and Bm.

16 days

“16 Days” is a song by the band Whiskeytown, which Ryan Adams formed before pursuing his solo career. The song was released in 1997 as part of the album “Stranger’s Almanac.”

It’s one of the early songs that he still performs today on his live shows. The song is in the key of G major, maintaining a 4/4 time signature with a moderate tempo around 84 BPM. The chords used in the song are G, F, C and Am.

Everybody knows

“Everybody Knows” is a poignant song by singer-songwriter Ryan Adams, co-written with guitarist Neal Casal. It was released in 2007 on his album “Easy Tiger.” This track exemplifies Adams’ ability to blend elements of folk and rock, creating a raw and emotionally charged sound.

Although “Everybody Knows” didn’t make significant chart appearances, it’s appreciated by fans for its introspective lyrics and passionate performance.

The song is in the key of F major, played with the capo on the 3rd fret using the chords D, A7sus4, C, F, Am, G, D7 and Cadd9.

Two

“Two” is a beautiful touching ballad from his 2007 album “Easy Tiger”. The lyrics describe the singer’s desire to be close to the object of their affection, which in this case is drugs.

The song is in the key of A major, maintaining a 4/4 time signature with a tempo around 74 BPM. The capo is on the 2nd fret playing G, C, D and Em.

Desire

“Desire” is a captivating song that was released in 2002 on his album “Demolition.”

The song is in the key of G major, maintaining a 4/4 time signature with a moderate tempo around 80 BPM. The song is played with the capo on the 5th fret using the chords D, G, Bm, Bm/A, Em7, G/F# and A.

New York, New York

“New York, New York” is an iconic song written and performed by the versatile singer-songwriter Ryan Adams. Released in 2001 on his album “Gold,” the song was written as a tribute to New York City, where Ryan Adams lived for several years.

The lyrics mention several lower Manhattan geographic references, including the intersection of Avenue A and 10th Street, Houston Street, and Avenue B. In the song, the singer reflects on his life in New York and a failed love affair.

The music video for “New York, New York” was filmed on September 7, 2001, just four days before the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The video features Ryan Adams performing in front of the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn. The Twin Towers can be prominently seen in the background. As a result of the attacks, a message was placed at the end of the video dedicating it to those who lost their lives and to “those who worked to save them”.

The song is in the key of A major, maintaining a 4/4 time signature with a moderate tempo around 96 BPM. The song is played with the capo on the 2nd fret using the chords G, G6sus4, D and C.

La Cienega just smiled

“La Cienega Just Smiled” is a song, released in 2000 as part of his album “Heartbreaker.” The song was written as a homage to Los Angeles, where Ryan Adams lived for several years. The lyrics mention several geographic references in the city, including La Cienega Boulevard and Melrose Avenue.

The song is in the key of G# major, maintaining a 4/4 time signature with a moderate tempo around 84 BPM. The song is played with the capo on the 3rd fret, using the chords F, G, C, C/B and Am.

Wild flowers

“Wild Flowers” is a soulful song released in 2000 on his album “Heartbreaker” often performed live with guitar player and band member Neil Casal. The song was written as a tribute to Tom Petty, who was one of Ryan Adams’ biggest musical influences. 

The song uses a combination of fingerpicking and strumming. The song is in key of D major and consists of the chords D, Dsus2, D9, D/F#, Gmaj7, G6, A, Em7, Gm7, Em, G, Dm, C, F#, Bm, Em/F# and F#m.

Rosalie come and go

“Rosalie Come and Go” is a song by Ryan Adams, released in 2001 on his album “Gold.” The song has a real nice Rolling Stones / Black Crowes kind a vibe to it.

The song is in the key of E major, maintaining a 4/4 time signature with a tempo around 120 BPM. The Chords of the song are E, D, A, Esus4 and Fm.

To be young (is to be sad, is to be high)

“To Be Young (Is to Be Sad, Is to Be High)” is an alternative country rock song that was released in 2000 on his album “Heartbreaker.” This is the only song on his debut solo album that was co-written with guitarist David Rawlings.

The song is in the key of C major, maintaining a 4/4 time signature with a moderate tempo around 108 BPM. The strumming pattern primarily involves a mix of downstrokes and upstrokes, creating a rhythmic and engaging feel that complements the song’s youthful and carefree spirit. The chords of the song are G, C, C7, D, Em, Am, Em9, GMaj7/B, Dadd4/F#, Gmaj7 and C/B.

My winding wheel

“My Winding Wheel” is a soulful song written by Ryan Adams. It was released in 2000 as part of his debut solo album, “Heartbreaker.”

During the recording, Adams used his Gibson J-45 acoustic guitar and a vintage microphone that he had purchased at a flea market just before the session.

The song is in the key of G# major, maintaining a 4/4 time signature with a moderate tempo around 74 BPM. Chords used in the song encompass Am, G, C, Bm, D and C/B, playing it with the capo on the 1st fret.

Let it ride

“Let It Ride” is a captivating song by the talented singer-songwriter Ryan Adams, co-written with his band The Cardinals. It was released in 2005 as part of the album “Cold Roses.”

During the recording of “Let It Ride,” Ryan Adams and The Cardinals were working with legendary producer Tom Schick. The song starts out with a beautiful finger style guitar intro that is the main guitar theme for the song.

The song is in Dm, with a 4/4 time signature and a moderate tempo around 82 BPM. The song is played with the capo on the 5th fret and the chords for the song are Am, F, C and G.

Magick

“Magick” is a lively and energetic song by Ryan Adams and The Cardinals. Released in 2008 on his album “Cardinology,” and known for its rock and roll spirit.

The song is played in Bm, in 4/4 time with a tempo around 90 BPM. The rhythm primarily involves a down-down-up-up-down-up strumming pattern. The chords used in the song are Bm, D A, E, B and G.

Mockingbird

“Mockingbird” is a song by Ryan Adams, released in 2005 on his album “Cold Roses.” The album was recorded with his band “The Cardinals” and was well received by critics and fans alike.

The song itself is a melancholic ballad about a man who is trying to make a relationship work but feels like his efforts are not enough.

The song is played in C#m, with a 4/4 time signature and a tempo of 100 BPM. Chords used in the song encompass C#m, E, A, F#m and Bm.

Sweet Illusions

“Sweet Illusions” is a song by Ryan Adams and the Cardinals and was released in 2005 as part of his album “Cold Roses”.

In “Sweet Illusions”, Adams sings about the pain of letting go of someone he loves, even though he knows it’s for the best. The song is a poignant reminder that sometimes, even when we know something isn’t right for us, it can be hard to let go.

The song is played in Bm, played with the capo on the 2nd fret using the chords Am, G, C, F and Dm.

When will you come back home

“When Will You Come Back Home” is an acoustic alternative country ballad that was released in 2005 on his album “Cold Roses.” with his band The Cardinals.

The song is in the key of E major, played with the capo on the 2nd fret and the chords for the song are D, A, G, Em, Bm and Esus4.

Give me something good

“Give Me Something Good” is a song by Ryan Adams that was released in 2014 as part of his self-titled album. The song is a driving rock anthem with a catchy melody and a powerful chorus.

The song was inspired by Adams’ love of classic rock and roll, and he has cited bands like AC/DC and Van Halen as influences. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Adams said that he wanted to create a song that would make people feel good and get them excited about music again.

The song is played in Bm with the capo on the 2nd fret, using the chords Am, G, Fsus2, F, A, C and Am7.

My wrecking ball

“My Wrecking Ball” is a touching song that was released in 2014 on his self-titled album “Ryan Adams,” the songwriting in this track reflects Adams’ ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability.

During the recording, Adams used a 1970 Harmony Buck Owens American acoustic guitar with the unmistable red white and blue finish.

The song is played with the capo on the 4th fret and the chords are F, C, Gsus4, Am7, Fmaj7, Fmaj9 and C/B.

Answering bell

“Answering Bell” is a compelling song released in 2001 on his album “Gold” and later released as a live version on “Live at Carnegie Hall”.

The music video for the song was directed by Luke Scott and was loosely based on “The Wizard of Oz”. The video features cameos by Elton John, Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), and singer-songwriter Leona Naess, who was briefly engaged to Adams.

The song is in the key of G major and the chords for the song are G, Bm, C, Cadd9, D/F#, Em7 and D.

Download Free Ryan Adams Chords and Tabs links sheet here

Hi Folks, as a guitar student and musician you need to learn your Tom Petty songs and for a good reason!

Tom was a great American singer-songwriter who left an indelible mark on the world of rock music.

With his distinctive raspy voice and catchy songwriting, he became known for his ability to blend elements of rock, folk, and Americana, creating a unique and timeless sound.

In 1976, he gained widespread recognition with his band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and later as a solo artist creating the iconic album “Full moon fever” produced by Jeff Lynne, and went on to release a string of great albums and hits.

Tragically, Tom passed away on October 2, 2017, leaving behind a profound influence on generations of musicians.

Luckily his songs are left for us to play, to study, to practice and enjoy. Tom Petty’s songs are a really good source to develop all the different skills you need as a guitar player from common chords and progressions, embellishments, catchy riffs, licks, and great song writing.

In this carefully curated list, you can find the cream of the crop from Petty’s extensive catalog, from the infectious hooks of “Free Fallin'” to the anthemic power of “American girl,” each song offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into Petty’s signature guitar style.

So grab your favorite six-string, make yourself some good coffee and let’s explore the magic of Tom Petty’s guitar-driven classics. Each title contains a link to Youtube and a link to the chords / Tabs and lyrics for the song.

Enjoy your practice and have a great one!

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1 – “Free Fallin’

“Free Fallin’ was written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne for the album “Full moon fever” and was released in 1989. The song was recorded in just two days and used a multitude of acoustic guitar to create that incredible dreamy sound. 

It’s a nostalgic song about personal freedom and embracing life’s journey. It encourages you to let go and enjoy the ride, capturing the essence of self-discovery and adventure.

The song is in the key of F major and can be played as a beginner-friendly version by playing it with the capo on the 3rd fret following the chords D – G – D – A (sus4) throughout the entire song.

Free falling chords

2 – “I Won’t Back Down”

This song is an empowering anthem, released in 1989, and embodies resilience and determination. It’s a reminder to stay true to yourself and stand strong in the face of adversity.

With basic open chords like Em , D, G and C “I Won’t Back Down” is approachable for beginner guitarists. The song follows a verse-chorus structure, making it easy to learn and perform.

I won’t back down chords

3 – “American Girl”

“American Girl” is a classic rock song that captures the spirit of youthful rebellion and American dreams. The songs was released for their self-titled debut album in 1976 and tells the story of a young woman’s experiences and embodies the essence of rock ‘n’ roll energy.

The progression incorporates basic open chords like D, E7, G, and A. The song follows a verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure, giving you the chance to practice chord progressions and transitions. The melody and rhythm allows for energetic strumming.

American girl chords + TABS

4. “Learning to Fly”

Learning to Fly” is a reflective song about personal growth and taking risks. It encourages listeners to embrace life’s challenges and soar to new heights.

The chords for the song include F, C, Am and G offering opportunities for intermediate players to develop their barre chord technique or you could play it just as easy with open chords.

Learning to fly chords

5. “Mary Jane’s Last Dance”

This haunting and mysterious song, released in 1993, tells a story of lost love and farewell. It explores themes of obsession and bidding farewell to a past romance.

“Mary Jane’s Last Dance” incorporates chords like Am, G, and Dsus2, Em7 and A providing an opportunity to practice finger positioning and transitions. The melody, based on the A minor scale, creates a moody atmosphere, allowing for expressive strumming and vocal interpretations.

Mary Jane’s last dance chords + TABS

6. “Breakdown”

“Breakdown” is a catchy rock song that delves into themes of heartbreak and vulnerability. The song was released in 1976 for the self-titled album “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers” and it tells the story of a relationship falling apart and the protagonist’s struggle to cope with the emotional turmoil.

The easy chords for this song are perfect for beginners. The song contains the chords Am – G – Fmaj7 and Fmaj7sus2 throughout most of the verses and chorus, providing a solid foundation for rhythm guitar. The rhythm involves a combination of strumming and palm muting, creating a captivating groove.

Breakdown chords + TABS

7. “Refugee”

Refugee was released in 1979 on the album “Damn the Torpedoes,” the song is a powerful rock anthem that embodies resilience and determination. It tells a story of survival, urging listeners to persevere through life’s challenges and find strength within.

The chord progression follows F#m – A -E (4x) and then D and B, in both the verses and chorus, creating a driving and energetic sound with the use of power chords.

Refugee chords + TABS

8. “Don’t Do Me Like That”

“Don’t Do Me Like That” is a catchy rock song that delves into the frustration and uncertainty of a strained relationship. It emphasizes the need for respect and fair treatment in love.

The chord progression follows G – F(maj9) – C – D in both the verses and chorus, creating a catchy and memorable sequence and ideal for beginners to practice

Don’t do me like that chords

9. “Into the Great Wide Open”

“Into the Great wide open” was released in 1991 on the album of the same name, “Into the Great Wide Open” tells a cautionary tale of a young man named Eddie who embarks on a journey to stardom but faces the pitfalls of the music industry. Johnny Depp was casted for the video of the song.

The chords for the song starts with Em – EmMaj7 – Em7 – Em6 for the intro and first part of the verse and then continues with Am – Am/G – Am/F# – Am/G – and G – F – C – G – C – G creating a beautiful chord progression. The chorus turns goes into a more major feel good flavor that opens up the song with a catchy melody.

Into the great wide open chords

10. “Runnin’ Down a Dream”

“Runnin’ Down a Dream” was written by Tom Petty, Mike Campbell, and Jeff Lynne and released in 1989 on the album “Full Moon Fever”. It’s an energetic rock anthem about pursuing one’s aspirations with unwavering determination. The song tells the story of a relentless pursuit of a dream, overcoming obstacles and staying focused on the journey.

The song features a driving chord progression of E – D for the verse and A – G – E throug the chorus making it an excellent choice for practicing power chords. The rhythm combines a mix of palm-muted downstrokes, open strums, and occasional accents, creating a rhythmic groove that propels the song forward.

Running down a dream chords + TABS

Check out the official chords and Tabs in the “Tom Petty – The Definitive Guitar Collection (Guitar Recorded Versions)”

Good day my guitar friends, we’re in the middle of the One-Octave Natural Minor scales series and we continue with Part III.

In the previous lessons we practiced the scale patterns starting on the Low-E and A string and now we’re going to start with the root note on the D-string. We’re heading into the higher regions of the scale where most of the guitar soloing takes place, so the shapes are getting more relevant to your playing once you go up the strings.

If you just stepped into Part III of the One-Octave natural minor scale series you might first want to check out Part I and Part II.here are the reasons you want to learn this:

Summary One-Octave Natural Minor Scales

The one-octave natural minor scale makes it easy to recognize the shape, the structure, the notes and the intervals of the scale. Since it’s one octave they are a perfect start for beginners and will definitely create new insights for intermediate guitar players.

For anyone who’s into rock, blues and pop music the natural minor scale is a crucial scale, but you will also encounter the scale in many other styles as well.

Starting With The Root Note on The Fourth String

We are learning three natural minor scale shape/patterns with the first (root) note starting on the D-string (4th string).

Tip: Learn and memorize the notes on the D-string so you can instantly recognize the key of the scale when you want to move the scale up or down the fretboard.

Natural Minor Scale Fingering

You can see the left hand fingering (right hand players) for all the scale shape / patterns in the yellow neck diagrams below. The numbers in the dots indicate the fingers.

| 1 = index | 2 = middle finger | 3 = ring finger | 4 = pinky |

Also visualize the shape/form/figure of each scale pattern so it’s easier to memorize and learn all the different scale shapes.

Alternate picking

Play the scale shapes using alternative picking alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is a downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Practice in every Key

First learn each scale shape thoroughly, then learn the pattern in other keys as well (explained in part I).

Let’s roll!

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE – Shape / Pattern #7

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE – Shape / Pattern #8

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE – Shape / Pattern #9

One Octave Natural Minor Scale Assignments Part III

• Learn and memorize each scale shape thoroughly using alternate picking.
• Learn the notes of the D-string.
• Play the shapes in random keys. Speak out the name of the key.
• Re-practice the one-octave Natural Minor scale patterns of Part I and II.
• As an exercise practice the scale shapes from Part I, II and III first in the key of A, then F and finally C.
• Try to create some melody with the new scale patterns.

Easy does it!

To be continued soon.

Hi good people, today we’re going to continue our A Natural Minor (One-Octave) Scales Series with Part II. If you haven’t studied Part I yet, be sure to check it out: Powerful One-Octave Natural Minor Scales – Part I

Benefits of Learning One-Octave Natural Minor Scales.

The one-octave natural minor scales are important scales for Rock, Blues and Pop guitar music, soloing and understanding music theory. They are great for identifying the shape and structure of the scale, the notes within the scale and the intervals. They are also easier to play and comprehend for beginners. For intermediate players they expand the way of approaching scales and soloing.

Natural Minor Scales Starting from the Root Note on the A-string

In Part II we are learning three natural minor scale shape/patterns with the first (root) note starting on the A-string (5th string).

Tip: Learn and memorize the notes on the A-string so you can instantly recognize the key of the scale when you want to move the scale up or down the fretboard.

Natural Minor Scale Fingering

I’ve notated the left hand fingering (right hand players) for all the scale shape / patterns below.

The numbers in the yellow neck diagrams indicate the fingers. The neck diagrams also clearly show what the shape or pattern looks like. Visualize and memorize the shape of each pattern.

| 1 = index | 2 = middle finger |3 = ring finger | 4 = pinky |

How to read tablature? Check out How to Read Guitar Tabs – Tablature

Play the scale shapes using alternative picking alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is a downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Practice the scale in every Key

In the examples below we play the A natural minor scale, but the purpose is to learn these scale shapes/patterns in every possible key. Once you got these scale under your fingers learn the pattern in other keys as well. Move the entire scale up or down the fret to change keys easily. Need more help with that? A more detailed explanation on this in Part I

Now let’s get to it.

Enjoy!

NATURAL MINOR SCALE SHAPES – ROOT NOTE STARTING ON THE 5TH STRING

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #4

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #5

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE fingering / shape / pattern #6

Assignments Part II

• Learn to play each scale shape /pattern thoroughly before moving on the next one.
• Make sure you play every note clean and clear. Listen carefully to your notes.
• Visualize and memorize the shape of each scale pattern in your mind.
• Learn to play the scale shapes in different keys and be sure to know what key you’re playing in.
• Re-practice the one-octave major scale patterns of Part I.
• Play all 6 one-octave scale patterns of Part I and II.
• Learn to create melody with each scale shape. This is the whole point of learning scales. Don’t get overwhelmed, just take small easy and regular steps. That’s it.

Have a blast!

Hang on a second! In the upcoming post (coming soon) we’re going to learn one-octave natural minor scales starting on the D-string. We’re going up the strings onto the higher sounding notes! Make sure you nail these patterns before moving on. Practice your scales today!

Don’t forget to leave a comment below ;) I honestly appreciate it. ~Klaus Crow

Today we are going to learn how to play one-octave Natural Minor scales. There are also the more common Two-octave natural minor scales, but in this guitar lesson I’m going to teach you HOW and WHY the one-octave Natural Minor scales are just as important.

Why You Want to Learn One Octave Natural Minor Scales

The one-octave scales are the smaller components of the two-octave scales. Their compact structure and shape makes them easier to play, memorize and comprehend.

Once you get them under your fingers you can combine the patterns to create the two octave and three-octave scales and other wild variations.

Moreover the natural minor scale is the perfect scale to combine with the minor pentatonic / blues scale to add some melodic flavor to your blues and rock soloing.

And last but not least, they give you a better insight in how those scales are constructed and how to easily move them all across the fretboard.

Note: This post is part of a free series where you will learn one-octave natural minor scale shapes across the entire guitar neck that will help you understand and own the natural minor scale landscape.

If you prefer the one-octave “Major Scale” series you can check it out here: Effective One-Octave Major Scales and Why!

Starting from the Root Note on the Low E-string 

Today we’re start learning three natural minor scale shape/patterns with the first (root)note starting on the Low E-string (6th string).

Tip: For this lesson learn and memorize the notes on the low E-string to recognize the notes the key of the scale when you want to move the scale up or down the fretboard.

Natural Minor Scale Shape Fingering

I’ve notated the left hand fingering (right hand players) for all the scale shape / patterns below.

The numbers in the yellow neck diagrams indicate the fingers. The neck diagrams also clearly show what the shape or pattern looks like. Learn to visualize and memorize the shape of each pattern.

1 = index
2 = middle finger
3 = ring finger
4 = pinky

Alternative Picking

Practice the scale shapes using alternative picking. Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger with the pointed end facing toward the strings. Strictly use alternating down and up strokes. The first note you play is a downstroke, the second an upstroke, the third one a downstroke, the fourth one an upstroke and so on.

Key of the Scale

In the examples below we play the A natural minor scale, but it’s the goal to learn these scale shapes/patterns in every key. 

Enjoy your practice!

NATURAL MINOR SCALE SHAPES – ROOT NOTE STARTS FROM THE 6TH STRING

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #1

First learn and memorize A natural minor scale pattern #1. Once you got the scale under your fingers learn the pattern in different keys. Move up the entire scale shape 2 frets higher (that means every note of the scale) and play it again. Your first (root) note should now be starting on the 7th fret Low E-string. You are now playing a B natural minor scale. Now play the scale starting with the first (root) note on the 10th fret. You’re playing a D natural minor scale. Practice moving and playing your scale pattern everywhere on the neck.

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #2

Natural minor scale pattern #2 needs a bit of a stretch, but after some practice it gets easier. I promise. This one is good for developing flexibility, and learning 3-notes-per string licks. Again, when you get this scale under your fingers learn to play it in different keys. Moving the scale pattern higher up the neck makes it easier to play, because the spaces between the frets get smaller.

A NATURAL MINOR SCALE SHAPE / PATTERN #3

Pattern #3 is the most common played natural minor scale pattern, because of the comfortable shape and root position. Learn and memorize the scale shape/pattern and then play it in different keys around the neck. 

Assignments:

• Learn to play each scale shape /pattern ascending and descending using alternate picking.
• Don’t rush, make sure each notes sound clean and clear.
• Learn to play the scale shapes in different keys and be sure to know in what key you are playing.
• Play the scale along with a metronome in different tempos.
• Try to create some melody with each scale shape. Experiment with playing notes from the scale in a different order, use rhythm and different note lengths, and pauses. Try to come up with your own melody or play an existing melody you already know. Play around with the notes. It’s such a valuable lesson. Dare to experiment!

Have a great time!

P.S. In Powerful One-Octave Natural Minor Scales Part II we’re going to learn one-octave Natural Minor scales starting on the A-string. We’re going to master the entire fingerboard. Come on board!

Leave a comment below anytime. I really appreciate it. ~Klaus Crow

Practicing speed building exercises on your guitar will improve your technique tremendously. The speed exercises will not just make you play faster, but also your dexterity will advance. Dexterity will create flow, easiness and flexibility on all fronts of your guitar playing.

When you practice the exercises for a while you will find that your fingers will feel lighter and move more fluently across the strings and fretboard as you solo or switch between chords. Guitar playing becomes more effortless.

The exercises in this post all have their own challenges that will develop and improve different parts of your technique. Exercise #1 and #5 are your typical 3 notes-per-string super fast lick that sound really awesome once you get them up to speed, but they’re just as nice to practice slowly or at mid tempo, exercise #4 is a nice blues lick, and others will serve different purposes to enhance your skills. Just try each one of them and explore.

Take it easy, take your time, and as always, enjoy the process!

SPEED BUILDING EXERCISE #1 ( A minor )

Below is a nice fast A minor lick scale run that you can play over an A minor chord or harmony / progression (Am – Bdim – C – D – Em – F – G – Am). Start slow, play every single note clean and clear and only increase your speed when you feel comfortable playing at a slow tempo.

SPEED BUILDING EXERCISE #2 ( E minor )

The E minor lick below can be played over an E minor chord or harmony / chord progression (Em – F#dim – G – A – Bm – C – D – Em). The upstroke on the high e-string can be tricky, that’s why it’s so important to practice this lick in a loop on repeat. Practice the lick in different positions on the neck. Move the entire lick 5 frets up or 5 frets down. Feel the difference as you go up or down the fingerboard, and overcome the challenges that come with it.

SPEED BUILDING EXERCISE #3 ( D major )

This D major lick can be played over a D major chord or harmony / chord progression in the key of D ( D – Em – F#m – G – A – Bm – C#dim – D). I will repeat this over and over again: Start slow and make sure the notes keep sounding neat, clean, clear and tidy as you increase speed.

SPEED BUILDING EXERCISE #4 ( A Blues )

The sweet nice blues lick can be played over a A blues shuffle or A blues chord progression. For more awesome blues licks check out 50CoolBluesLicks.com

SPEED BUILDING EXERCISE #5 ( B Phrygian / G major )

The following speed monster lick can be played over a Bm7 chord or a B Phrygian chord harmony / progression (Bm7 – Cmaj7 – D7 – Em7 – F#m7b5 – Gmaj7 – Am7 – Bm7).

SPEED BUILDING EXERCISE #6

Many riffs, chops and monster licks start right from the Lower E-string. Starting a speed lick from 6th string can be a tough thing, because your picking hand can’t get support from an upper string (there are no strings above the 6th string), so you got to find that support somewhere else depending on your picking technique. You got to be spot on right away to nail that riff. The exercise below will help you to overcome that obstacle.

SPEED BUILDING EXERCISE #7

The lick below contains 3 bars (measures 1 till 3) and goes ascending from the Low E-string all the way up to the high e-string. In the next 3 bars (measures 4 till 6) the same lick will move up 1 fret and now goes descending from the high e-string all the way down to the low E-string. Then it moves up again 1 fret and goes ascending again (measures 7 till 9). This repeats on and on until you can’t go further on the guitar neck. A beautiful 3 notes-per-string guitar workout to exercise your guitar speed.

GUITAR SPEED BUILDING TIPS

• Practice, memorize and play the exercise with focus and dedication.
• Practice the exercises with alternate picking technique. (down-up-down-up). Start each exercise with a down stroke.
• Practice with a metronome. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed.
• Don’t rush. Always start slow and make sure as you slowly increase speed the notes always stay clean and clear every step of the way.
• Play the lick slow a couple of times until you feel comfortable with the tempo, then speed up, play slow again, speed up again, go faster, go all the way slow again, go like a rocket but keep it clean and clear.
• Don’t just randomly play, but focus on your picking technique, on your right hand and left hand. Observe your playing. Where can you do better? How do you hold your pick? What happens when you change the way you hold your pick? Do you play neat or sloppy? Make small improvements every time.
• Don’t strain your shoulders, your arms or your wrist. Release any tension or tightness and try to relax while practicing.
• Practice the exercises daily, don’t get frustrated, it’s a process of two steps forward and one step back. Be patient, fast playing takes time, dexterity will come sooner. Practice the exercises and it will pay off!

Rock on!

Rock guitar has an irresistible attractive force to guitar players . The dopamine that releases from strumming power chords that are heavily distorted or conquering a great rock solo while playing it along with the original song, a jam track or with a real band gives you that primal, powerful, and godlike blissful feeling all at the same time.

There is an abundance of creativity in rock music and there are so many different styles, genres and techniques, you can dedicate your whole life time learning rock guitar, but if you know two power chords you’re in the game.

It’s an endless source of fun and inspiration you can indulge in. So what do you need to know to learn rock guitar? What is essential to study and master to become a real rock guitar player?

Here are the keys:

1 – Power chords

Power chords are rock chords that you need in order to play rock songs. They are your basic building tools for rhythm rock guitar and super useful when it comes to playing with distortion. Power chords give you control over your distorted sound without turning it into noise and going all over the place. You do this by playing only the root and fifth note of the major scale. Power chords are fairly easy to play and are great motivator for beginner rock guitar players.

2 – Learn one rock song at a time

This is a no brainer, but by learning to play rock songs you learn to play rock guitar. It’s the songs that make you learn the skill. Learn to listen to the overal song, then just the guitars, the drums, the bass, and the keys. Listen and learn to play it piece by piece. First the intro, then the verse, the chorus, the bridge, etc. Start with easy rock songs and work your way up. Here are some of the best tools to figure out guitar songs and solos. Songs are the key to learning the craft.

3 – Learn rock guitar solos

Rock guitar solos are the best. Just like songs, soloing skills are learned by learning solos and transcribing solos. You start with the easy ones and gradually build your way up to the more challenging ones. You’ve got to take it step by step.

4 – Guitars, amps and pedals

The sound is an important aspect of rock guitar. The use of distortion and overdrive through amps, rock pedals and guitars is the way for rock musicians to create that dirty explosive sound and express their musical creativity. It’s a vital part of rock music. There are many different kinds of distortions and overdrives and depending on your style of music and personal taste you will find through experimenting what sound suits your needs.

5 – Rock licks.

Licks are short melodic ideas, which can seen as the words, phrases and lines that make up part of the story and the style, to bring tension and release, and can be used for your solo. You can string them together or use them as short fills throughout the song. Licks are also used to learn new techniques and soloing approaches. Collect as much cool licks as you can and learn how to express yourself in unlimited musical ways.

6 – Learn riffs

A riff is a short rhythmic, melodic, or harmonic figure / chord progression that is characteristic for the song and often determines the main rock rhythm theme of the song. Most guitar students want to learn the riffs because they are so recognizable and fun to learn. Check out 50 of the Greatest Guitar Riffs to boost up and expand your rock riff vocabulary.

7 – Rock rhythm

A lot of rock rhythm is based on the use of power chords and strumming in eighth note downstrokes, quarters and 16ths. There are many rock songs that use mainly downstroke strumming to create a punchy rhythmic sound, but also a variation of up and down strokes and syncopation is part of the rhythmic spectrum. In a lot of heavy rock and metal you get to deal with advanced rhythm playing which is really good to develop a great sense of rhythmic feel. Again, learn the rock songs and the skill of rock rhythm will develop accordingly.

8 – Start a rock band

Once you’ve got some rock songs under your belt the best thing to do is to start a rock band, if only for the experience and skills you develop. There is so much to learn from playing in a band that you can’t possibly learn on your own. Playing and locking into the groove of the drummer and the bass player, learning songs from start to finish, working out musical details, learning to play steady rhythm and soloing with a band, try lead singing or backing vocals, listening to all the different instruments and the music in different ways, learning with and from your fellow musicians, and the feeling of playing together is all in all priceless.

9 – The Pentatonic / Blues scale

The Pentatonic / Blues scale is THE scale that is used in rock solos and improvisation 90% of the time. This is the scale you want to learn for soloing and improvisation in rock music. It gives you the freedom to express your rock soloing ideas all over the fretboard.

10 – Create a rock practice habit

A steady and regular practice habit is invaluable in becoming an accomplished rock guitar player. Setting up a practice routine that consists of all the various rock guitar elements and skills will keep you focused and on the right path. Making daily progress is the best motivation there is. Plan a fixed time for your guitar practice in your schedule, stick to it, and watch yourself grow as a rock guitar player.

Rock on!

Oh wait up!
I’ve got a question for you.
What’s your favorite rock guitar player, rock album or rock song? I’d love to know. 
Please share it in the comments below. I appreciate it.

Best,
~ Klaus Crow

Today we’re going to learn a nice and smooth acoustic/electric blues guitar lick that you can add to your guitar licks vocabulary and use freely in your soloing and improvisation.

Blues licks are small soloing ideas that you can use and learn from. They are designed to expand and upscale your soloing skills. The licks are used in blues music but also in rock, country, jazz and other styles of music. The licks and styles are all intertwined.

I used to collect licks from every where and anyone. I always bought all the guitar magazines and videos there were available at the time and learn all the licks I could find. It was all about the cool licks. It was the fast way to learn and incorporate all the cool chops and techniques into my playing. Even now, I’m still looking.

You can play the blues lick in the video over an A7 chord, over an A7 Blues progression or blues shuffle. You can also transpose the lick to any key you like by moving the entire lick up or down the fretboard.

Enjoy!

If you want to get out of your rut, learn more cool blues guitar licks, master soloing & improvisation over the entire fretboard, tips, tricks & valuable exercises then check out: 50CoolBluesLicks.com

As students for life we are still reaping the fruits today when we are practicing and playing the songs from that time and learning from the minds of those creative guitar players.

To get started we’ve got a list of 30 legendary electric guitar rocks songs from the 70s. As always the list is to inspire, explore and motivate. It’s in no particular order and definitely incomplete ;) If you’re more into acoustic, no problem, check out the Top 30 Best Acoustic Guitar Songs of the 70s.

Please share your favorite electric guitar rock song from 70’s in the comments. I really appreciate it.

Each song title contains a YouTube link to the original song. The “Chords” and “TAB” links provide the sheet music and the “Official Chords/TAB” link will show the official chords and tablature.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Enjoy the songs and keep on rocking!

1 – Hotel California – The Eagles – Chords – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

2 – Layla – Derek and the Dominos – Chords – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

3 – Stairway to heaven – Led Zeppelin – TABS – Official Chords/TAB

4 – Comfortably Numb – Pink Floyd – Chords – Official Chords/TAB

5 – Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen – Chords – Official Chords/TAB

6 – Free Bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

7 – Sultans of swing – Dire Straits – Chords – Official Chords/TAB

8 – The Boys Are Back in Town – Thin Lizzy – Chords

9 – Black magic woman – Santana – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

10 – Brown sugar – Rolling Stones – Chords – Official Chords/TAB

11 – Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who – Chords – Official Chords/TAB

12 – Dream on – Aerosmith – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

13 – Runnin’ with the devil – Van Halen – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

14 – All right now – Free – Chords

15 – Paranoid – Black Sabbath – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

16 – More than a feeling – Boston – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

17 – Highway to hell – AC/DC – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

18 – Reelin’ In the Years – Steely Dan – TAB

19 – Walk this way – Aerosmith – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

20 – Child in time – Deep purple – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

21 – American girl – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

22 – American Woman – Guess Who – TAB

23 – Jessica – The Allman Brothers Band – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

24 – Tie your mother down – Queen – TAB

25 – Eruption – Van Halen – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

26 – Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

27 – Kashmir – Led Zeppelin – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

28 – Another brick in the wall – Pink Floyd – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

29 – Statesboro blues – The Allman Brothers Band – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

30 – Rebel rebel – David Bowie – TAB – Official Chords/TAB

Learning how to play scales is a great way to expand your musicality and exercise your fingers agility; one of the easiest scales to learn at the beginning of your lead guitar adventures is definitely the scale pentatonic.

We’re going to see the pentatonic scale in open position, that means that the shape of the scale uses some open strings. This decreases the complexity of the fingering and makes easier to play great melodies.

What is a Pentatonic Scale
In the word “pentatonic”, “penta” means “five”, in fact a pentatonic scale is composed of 5 notes (in this tutorial we’re not going to investigate the historical origin of this scale, you can find an interesting article on that here)

We already know the major scale. In the key of C, the major scale is:

C D E F G A B

By definition, a major scale pentatonic is like a major scale, without the 4th and 7th degrees. Thus the C major scale pentatonic is composed of the following notes:

C D E G A

We dropped the 4th, F, and the 7th, B

The relative minor scale of the C major is the A minor (to find a relative minor scale of a major scale, simply start from the 6th degree of the major scale and build your minor scale with the same notes of the major one)

A B C D E F G

By definition, a minor scale pentatonic, is a minor scale without the 2nd and 6th degrees (F and B)

A C D E G

See? We have the same five notes of the major pentatonic scale, but this time with start from A instead of C.

As an exercise, try to build the G major and its relative minor pentatonic scales (solution at the bottom of the page). Hint: the G major scale is composed of these notes: G A B C D E F#

Now it’s time to play some penta-sounds on the guitar! See the picture below, on the fretboard we have highlighted the notes of our pentatonic scale, C D E G A:

Fretboard diagram created with the FaChords Scale Finder. The orientation is with the E lowest string at the bottom of the picture, and the guitar headstock of the left. Basically, it’s the point of view of the player.

Basic Exercises
Here below you find the tabs of 3 basic exercises that will help get familiar with the open string pentatonic shape and gradually increase fluidity. You should always practice with a metronome; at the beginning set a low speed, such as 60 bpm, and increase little by little. The secret is to play slow and perfect, speed comes with time.

Exercise #1 (Click here for the PDF)

Exercise #2 (Click here for the PDF)

Exercise #3 (Click here for the PDF)

A note on the fingering
The correct fingering for playing the scale in open position is the following:

• for the notes on the 1st fret, use the index finger
• for the notes on the 2nd fret, use the middle finger
• for the notes on the 3rd fret, use the ring finger.
• The pinkie, for this lesson, can take some rest :-)

Where to go next
The pentatonic scale in open position is great also for building riffs. Try to mix chords and scale fragments, using the notes of the scale as passing tones between one chord and another. This kind of sound is often used in Country and Blues. You can also practice some major pentatonic scales in other positions. Have fun!

About the Author
Gianca is a guitar teacher from Italy. He is the founder of FaChords.com, a free site where you can find online guitar lessons and interactive learning software.

Solution of the exercises:
• G major pentatonic scale: G A B D E
• E minor pentatonic scale: E G A B D

Did you guess it?